top wedding trends

July 8, 2014

June may be the most popular month for saying "I do," but it only wins by a small margin. The next most favored months for getting married are September and October. With wedding season in full swing, it's the perfect time to highlight this year's top wedding trends in fashion, decor, food and more.

According to wedding website The Knot, woodland-themed weddings that combine last year’s rustic trend with this season’s sophisticated glamour will be the inspiration for many nuptial events in 2014. Romantic floral arrays, lush greenery, elegant gold accents and glamorous sparkling jewels will adorn everything from the invites to the dance hall. Bridal Guide has noticed the same trends calling out rustic, romantic and vintage weddings as three of the five top themes for 2014 weddings.

With romance being a major wedding trend this year, it’s no surprise that pink is a popular color for 2014 events. Pair a soft shade of blush with rose gold and sandy-colored neutrals for a sophisticated color palette that also works well with nature-themed weddings. Combine a deeper shade like coral with other brights like green or aqua to give a modern twist to your color scheme.

Another hot color for 2014 weddings is navy blue. Used with a neutral gray color palette, navy blue brings contrast that is bold, but not as severe as black. It’s formal without being stuffy. Add a touch of pink or accent with canary yellow to add a pop of color to a navy blue wedding.

Gold is the metal of choice this year, and it’s not just for rings. Tara Guerard, owner of Soiree in Charleston and New York, tells Bridal Guide that she’s seeing the luxurious metal everywhere: gold sugar stripes on wedding cakes, linens shot through with gold thread and pale gold lampshades.

Wedding Fashion Trends

Not every bride wants a flowing formal gown. For casual brides, 2014 offers a growing catalog of tea-length dresses in a variety of styles — everything from the retro elegance of cap sleeves and crinolines to modern two-piece ensembles with cropped tops and high-low skirts.

The dip-dyed trend known as ombre has also made its way onto the wedding runway. Brides that want to infuse their wedding with color, but don’t necessarily want to forego the traditional white dress, can have the best of everything in a graduated color gown.

The choice of non-traditional colors for wedding dresses is expanding in more dramatic ways as well. Vera Wang released an entire collection of pink wedding dresses for fall 2014. Designers including Monique Lhullier, Jenny Packham and Sareh Nouri are on-board with this trend, though not quite so committed as to omit white dresses from their line.

Last season’s backless dresses are being replaced by elaborately detailed backs in 2014. While open backs will still be popular, expect to see dresses with lace-covered keyholes and other bejeweled embellishments.

Veils are falling out of vogue in favor of beautiful headdresses and floral bands. Headdresses, inspired by 1920s glamour, are exquisite statement pieces made of sparkly jewels, pearls or gold. Floral headbands and wreaths are perfect for nature-themed weddings.

Bridesmaid dresses are getting an overhaul this year too. Bridal parties in 2014 will have more personality as matching gowns moves towards eclectic dresses with similar styles or fabrics. Dresses will still have a cohesive look achieved with a coordinated color palette, fabric or other unifying characteristic.

Appropriately, the groom and his groomsmen will follow some of the same trends as the ladies. Mismatched attire and timeless elegance are the main themes for menswear in 2014. Formal affairs will see a continuation of the top hat and tails that became popular following the release of The Great Gatsby in 2012.

For grooms, like for brides, color is making an appearance. Men are striding down the aisle in a collection of colored suits from forest green to plum with lots of pastels predicted as well. For guys who don’t want to join the color revolution, gray is the new black — especially for fall weddings.

No matter the color, slim cut suits are the style of the moment. A good fit close to the body provides a tailored look that is always in style. When it comes to accessorizing, bow ties are still a trending accessory for men.

Floral Decor Grows

Whether brides opt for a nature-themed wedding or not, this year’s wedding decor will be inspired by the great outdoors. Everything from bouquets to centerpieces will be more organic and less structured. Look for large, full blooms like peonies, teacup roses and hydrangea to be on display.

The royal wedding from 2011 continues to influence brides with many requesting flower trees and other outdoor elements to be used as statement pieces in the reception hall.

In keeping with these relaxed garden influences, more floral designers are creating mix-and-match designs for both walking down the aisle and decorating the reception. Centerpieces are moving from a single vase towards small collections of flowers. Bridal bouquets have a larger variety of blooms rather than a simple dome of a single flower.

Wedding Food Trends

Approachable food is on the menu at wedding receptions across the country. While choices will vary depending on the style of wedding, some of the ideas driving this trend are meals served family style and small bite hors d’oeuvres that can be enjoyed with one hand — leaving the other hand free for a cocktail.

Brunch is a fun trend that is enticing for couples considering a daytime wedding. A morning event invites simple cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys. Food can also be simplified with serving stations for build-your-own omelets or pancake bars.

Social Media Tools

Crowdsourcing wedding photos has been popular since long before crowdsourcing was a word. In 2014, disposable plastic cameras are replaced by hashtags and charging stations. Signs invite guests to contribute by capturing memories for the happy couple; hashtags make it easy for the bride and groom to collect images after the event.

Like any good trend, there is already a backlash against social media at weddings, leading some couples to opt for unplugged events complete with phone checks (like a coat check for your electronics).

Interactive Photos

Photo booths at wedding and engagement parties aren’t going anywhere in 2014. This wedding trend is evolving though and slow motion video booths are the new hot ticket item. Some videographers will do prints as well so guests can keep a copy of the photo as a wedding favor.

Endless Love

True love never goes out of style. Regardless of changing wedding trends, love is always the most important part of your nuptials.